[SoDu Reading Room] EPA Aims to Make NC Drinking Water Safer

Our latest installment of SoDu Reading Room comes courtesy of Durham’s own Lisa Sorg, a tireless environmental journalist, writing for NC Newsline. In this monumental development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will formally regulate PFAS in drinking water.

What Does PFAS Mean?

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. PFAS are widely found in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil. Because PFAS can persist in the environment and the human body for long periods, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer.

What Happened with the EPA?

The EPA has initiated groundbreaking federal regulations on six PFAS chemicals in drinking water, including GenX, a contaminant affecting many in North Carolina’s Lower Cape Fear River Basin. EPA Administrator Michael Regan heralded this move as the agency’s most significant action against PFAS, anticipating it will enhance the health of millions by reducing exposure to these toxic substances. The regulations mandate specific maximum contaminant levels, aiming to reduce deaths and serious illnesses linked to PFAS. Utilities nationwide must comply with these standards, incorporating monitoring and reporting into their operations, amidst concerns over the financial implications of these new requirements.

In a joint statement, the Durham Department of Water Management, Orange Water and Sewer Authority, and Raleigh Water responded to the regulations:

“Durham Water, OWASA, and Raleigh Water applaud the EPA’s action to help protect drinking water in North Carolina and around the country. Our agencies have been working proactively to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—known collectively as PFAS. PFAS compounds present unique challenges due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. With a shared commitment to ensuring safe and clean drinking water for our communities, we are dedicated to addressing this critical issue to meet the latest regulatory standards.”

What are 5 Major Takeaways from the Article?

1. Historic Regulation: The EPA has established the first-ever federal regulations for six types of toxic PFAS in drinking water, including GenX, which has been a significant pollutant in the drinking water supplies of the Lower Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina. This action aims to address the contamination affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
2. Health Impact and Protection: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues such as thyroid and liver disorders, reproductive and fetal development problems, immune deficiencies, high cholesterol, and certain cancers. The new standards are set to reduce exposure for approximately 100 million people, potentially preventing thousands of deaths and reducing tens of thousands of serious illnesses.
3. New Standards and Compliance: The new regulations set specific maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS chemicals, with enforcement impacting an estimated 6% to 10% of U.S. water systems. Utilities have three years for initial monitoring and must comply with the maximum contaminant levels by 2029, incorporating the results and any violations into their annual consumer confidence reports.
4. Funding and Economic Concerns: The Biden administration has allocated $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist utilities in testing for PFAS, installing treatment systems, and connecting to alternate water supplies. However, some believe this amount is insufficient to cover the costs associated with compliance, highlighting the financial burden on utilities and, consequently, ratepayers.
5. Calls for Source Control and Broader Regulation: Advocates and officials stress the importance of addressing PFAS pollution at the source, arguing for regulation that focuses on manufacturers and users of PFAS to prevent these chemicals from entering water supplies. This approach is seen as more cost-effective and equitable than placing the responsibility on utilities to remove contaminants from drinking water.

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